Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio School
The Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio School (DAES) opened in 2013 with a bold vision: to offer young people in Lancashire a fresh, dynamic and professional way to learn. As a unique mainstream studio school for 13–19-year-olds, DAES provides an alternative to the traditional classroom experience - one that blends creativity, technology and industry-ready skills.
With around 210 learners, DAES is intentionally small, creating a close-knit, supportive community where every student is known and encouraged to excel. The school specialises in creative and technical digital technologies, alongside a strong pathway in the Care & Education Sector. Students join in Year 9 and follow a distinctive curriculum that combines GCSEs and BTECs at Key Stage 4 with T-Levels and A Levels at Key Stage 5 (delivered through a collaborative Darwen Sixth Form, D6).
What sets DAES apart is its commitment to employability. Academic study is paired with technical training and meaningful employer engagement, ensuring learning is relevant, practical and firmly connected to real-world opportunities. This powerful combination prepares DAES students with the skills, confidence and experience they need for their next steps: whether that’s further study, apprenticeships or employment in the fast-evolving digital and care sectors.
DAES is a school designed for learners who want to think differently, work creatively and shape their own future.
